Page 118 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

“It’s a marvel to watch a spin doctor such as yourself at work,” Dino said.

“I live to serve.”

Chapter 35

Simon poured the martini into his glass, then took a seat on the couch in his suite at the Verdugo Royale Hotel. He downed a few aspirins with his first sip. If the combo didn’t alleviate the headache he’d had since Petry’s surprise visit to the gallery, nothing would.

He was more convinced than ever that hiring Rudy to create the forgeries was the right move. There was no question in Simon’s mind that Petry had something monstrous in mind for the Stones. He just couldn’t figure out what it was. But unless Petry did something to change his mind, the paintings the asshole would be taking with him would be the forgeries from Rudy Morgan.

He sat up, a smile creeping onto his face. That meant the originals would be staying with him. And what better way to rid himself of his headache than priming the pump for their sale to someone who would appreciate them.

He hunted through his suitcase until he found the business card he’d received in New Mexico and dialed the provided cell number.

“Stone Barrington.”

“Mr. Barrington, this is Simon Duchamp. We met at Ivonne Cervantes’s opening at my gallery in Santa Fe.”

“Yes, Mr. Duchamp. I remember you.”

“Please, call me Simon.”

“Only if you call me Stone. What can I do for you, Simon?”

“You asked me to call if I heard of any of your mother’s work coming up for sale. I don’t want to get your hopes up yet, but there is the possibility that some will soon be available.”

“Some? How many are we talking about?”

“It’s my understanding perhaps as many as three.”

“That’s marvelous. Who’s the seller?”

“I’m afraid that’s all I know at the moment. It’s more rumor than anything, at this point. But if you are interested, I would be happy to investigate it further.”

“I would like that very much.”

“Then I will make inquiries and get back to you when I know something more.”

“I look forward to hearing from you.”

—

Stone hung up, then stared at his kitchen wall, replaying the conversation in his mind.

“Stone?”

He blinked and turned to find Monica in the doorway.

“You looked lost there for a moment,” she said. “Are you okay?”

“I just had an interesting phone call.”

“From whom?”

“Simon Duchamp.”

Monica looked as surprised as Stone felt. “What did he want?”

“Dino’s going to want to hear this, too. Can you take this?” He handed her the bottle of wine he’d come to fetch, then got three wineglasses and they returned to the living room where Dino waited. Viv was still dealing with a situation at work and wouldn’t be home until later.

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